Trenbolone
Pronunciation:TREN-boh-lohn
Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number:10161-33-8. (Acetate form 10161-
34-9)
Formal Names:Fina, Finaject, Finajet, Finaplix, Parabolan
Informal Names:Tren
Type:Anabolic steroid. See page 24
Federal Schedule Listing:Schedule III (DEA no. 4000)
USA Availability:Prescription
Uses. Trenbolone is a familiar agricultural drug used for encouraging
growth in meat animals. Human bodybuilders have used the substance in
hopes of gaining competitive advantage.
Drawbacks.The drug can promote masculine characteristics in females. Re-
search on the drug’s effects in pigs noted that testes decreased in size; research
on cows noted disruption of ovarian cycles. Reports exist of human users
complaining about headache, high blood pressure, nosebleeds, acne, fever,
loss of appetite, queasy stomach, darkened urine, and aggressive conduct
while taking the substance.
Abuse factors.Muscle mass has increased in steers receiving a growth treat-
ment that included the drug. Some bodybuilders and weight lifters use vari-
ous forms of trenbolone, making little distinction among them. The drug,
however, is banned from sports competitions (including horse racing).
Drug interactions.Not enough scientific information to report.
Cancer.Laboratory tests generally have not revealed trenbolone to have a
cancer-causing potential, but the substance has nonetheless been associated
with cancer in mice and rats. Some researchers believe tumors probably result
from hormonal effects of trenbolone dosage rather than a direct chemical ac-
tion (the practical consequence may be the same for an animal either way, but
the difference is important for scientists seeking better understanding of the
drug).
Pregnancy.Animal experiments do not indicate that the drug causes birth
defects, but women are routinely advised to avoid drugs of this type during
pregnancy.
Additional scientific information may be found in: